Since 1969, the mission of Bakersfield Music Theatre (BMT) has been to produce quality theatre and theatre education in Kern County, California. BMT currently lives that mission at Stars Theatre Restaurant, Stars Playhouse, and Stars School of Performing Arts. BMT, also known simply as Stars, is proud to serve the Kern County Community.
The BMT production of Billy Elliot The Musical will take place at the Stars Theatre Restaurant venue with 12 performances from October 28 to November 19, 2022.
Originally known as the Bakersfield Civic Light Opera, BMT was founded by a group of educators and citizens interested in the performing arts. In 1974 it received nonprofit status, and began operating at Harvey Auditorium at Bakersfield High School. In 1989, BMT opened the 150-seat Stars Theatre Restaurant, BMT’s “dinner theatre,” offering a gourmet meal at each performance held there. Since 1999, that venue moved into the historical Bank of America building in the heart of what has become Bakersfield’s Arts District. Stars Theatre Restaurant features the talents of Kern County’s finest performers and musicians.
BETM joins a group of big musicals presented at the Stars Restaurant Theatre in 2022. Most recently theatre goers have seen Shrek and Follies there.
Billy Elliot The Musical
Auditions for the production were held in late August. For its Billys, BMT searched the country, far and wide, and ended up with two very talented performers from across the country, the two boys are Neo Andre Del Corral from Florida and John Gibbons from Stoughton, Massachusetts. In a unique bit of casting, both boys have been double cast as Billy’s friend Michael, so they will alternate performances in both roles.
How are the boys getting on together in the lead role in this show. In an interview conducted by the local press, The Bakersfield Californian, the “camaraderie is clear to others watching them perform.
“Day by day, they become closer,” [ Susy] Rodriguez, Neo’s mother, said of the duo. “Every day, they’re really understanding each other and it shines on stage.”
Speaking to the two actors, it’s clear their bond is strong, which should make for a good show.
“We’re doing it for us,” John said, looking at Neo. “This is your dream role and my dream role. It’s been a blessing to come here. And to just do it (the show) is amazing.”
You can read the entire interview here.
To learn more about Neo and John, click on the Billy Profiles button (below) to be taken to their detailed profiles.
To see a complete listing of the rest of the Bakersfield Music Theatre cast, just click on the Cast Information button.
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